Chapter 43: Meditation Method

Inside Sophia's office.

Locke said to Sophia, "Teacher, I truly don't know what a Meditation Method is. Please enlighten me."

Since joining Lilith's Cottage Academy, he had been increasing his Mana solely by learning spell models, which passively enhanced his Mana reserves. Moreover, the publicly available information throughout Lilith's Cottage rarely mentioned the term "Meditation Method." He also hadn't seen anyone openly selling Meditation Methods in the Chimera Market. Of course, it was possible that his previous level had been too low to access such resources.

Sophia placed three scrolls in front of Locke. "These are the three Wood Element Particle affinity Meditation Methods in my possession. Two were purchased directly, and one belonged to a former enemy of mine."

"The reason you haven't encountered Meditation Method resources before is simple: Meditation Methods are among the academy's most deeply guarded knowledge."

Sophia explained, "In the Southeastern Corner, knowledge related to Meditation Methods is the most expensive and closely guarded secret. Only by possessing a Meditation Method can one potentially become a Formal Wizard. Without it, merely advancing to First Class Wizard Apprentice would consume most of a person's lifetime. You could say the Meditation Method is a key to the gate of truth."

"Without this key, the number of Formal Wizards in the Southeastern Corner would decrease by ninety percent. If one lacks a Meditation Method, the only way to become a First Class Wizard Apprentice is to accumulate vast magical resources, consume them, and forcibly elevate one's mental strength to break through to wizard ranks."

"Ancient wizards followed this path, but the side effects were severe, which is why Formal Wizards were exceedingly rare among them."

Locke nodded. During the All Things Class, the dark elf Sassari had mentioned that ancient wizards were inferior to modern ones, and present-day wizards would not surpass those of the future. The path of wizardry was constantly advancing. In the past, a First-Circle Wizard was the pinnacle of magic, but that was no longer the case.

Sophia continued, "A Meditation Method is a technique where a wizard places their mental strength in a specific state to achieve its growth. The nature of this state varies slightly among different Meditation Methods. However, basic Meditation Methods generally involve simulating the Mana fluctuations of certain natural phenomena."

"In the Southeastern Corner, Meditation Methods are divided into two levels: Basic and Advanced. I possess one Advanced Meditation Method, but I only have the right to study it, not to teach or sell it. So, I can't even offer it to you. Of course, you couldn't afford it now, nor would you need it."

"According to academy regulations, only enrolled students can be taught or sold Meditation Methods. A Basic Meditation Method can be sold to you for five hundred Magic Stones. Outside the academy, even if you had five thousand Magic Stones, you might not be able to purchase a complete Basic Meditation Method. The academy is very strict about this."

Sophia pointed to the three scrolls and said, "These three Meditation Methods are the Root Vein Synchronization Meditation Method, the Seed Germination Meditation Method, and the Green Leaf Vein Meditation Method."

She briefly explained the differences between the three. "All of them are suitable for learning plant magic."

"The [Root Vein Synchronization Meditation Method] yields the most gentle Mana, with moderate improvement speed, solid foundations, and relatively high difficulty."

"The [Seed Germination Meditation Method] accelerates spiritual growth the fastest, but the Mana is too volatile, making the foundation unstable. One must pay special attention to solidifying it. Moderate difficulty."

"The [Green Leaf Vein Meditation Method] is prone to energy overload, making it comparatively dangerous. Improvement speed is moderate, and the purity of the Mana obtained may be insufficient. Easiest difficulty."

Sophia added indifferently, "Though there are differences, they're just basic Meditation Methods after all. So whichever you choose, I have no objections."

Locke pondered for a moment before replying, "Teacher, I choose the Root Vein Synchronization Meditation Method."

With the Rose Ruby in his possession, he didn't need to worry about the speed of spiritual growth. Naturally, he would opt for the Meditation Method that offered the most stable Mana and the firmest foundation.

Sophia glanced at Locke, the corners of her lips curling slightly. "Good choice. This was also the Meditation Method I used during my time as a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice."

"The Seed Germination Meditation Method was studied by one of my enemies."

"As for the Green Leaf Vein Meditation Method, it was given to me for free when I purchased a precious Magical Material."

Sophia retrieved two scrolls and handed one to Locke. "Take this back and study it on your own. From now on, I'll teach you half an hour of Meditation Method lessons and half an hour of Breeding Course each day."

"Remember, you only have the right to learn, not the right to disseminate."

Her tone suddenly turned stern. "Wizards value their knowledge highly. If you privately spread the Meditation Method to others and harm my interests, I will be very displeased."

Locke nodded. "Understood, Teacher."

Instantly, Locke dismissed the idea of reselling the Meditation Method to earn Magic Stones.

At the same time, another thought arose in his mind—what would happen if he synthesized the three basic Meditation Methods?

The Root Vein Synchronization Meditation Method leaned toward Wood Element Particles, but he also had a second primary affinity for [Negative Energy Particles]. If Meditation Methods could indeed be synthesized, it would be best to create one that accommodated both his primary affinities.

However, implementing this idea would be difficult for now.

After all, Meditation Methods were so expensive. Acquiring just one had already cost him over a year's worth of hard-saved Magic Stones. To purchase the remaining two for synthesis, he would likely need to obtain the Breeder Assistant certification and start selling enhanced Magical Plant seeds.

Sophia said to Locke, "Locke, come with me. I'll take you to my Magical Plant Cultivation Room."

"The Breeding Course will be held there."

"This course requires the use of many Magical Plants, so it's actually quite rare for ordinary wizard apprentices to find a way to learn it."

Until now, Sophia had never allowed Locke to enter her plant room.

Locke followed along. Now he would finally get to see the numerous Magical Plants that Sophia the Witch had carefully cultivated.

Of course, Locke remained extremely cautious. After all, entering the plant room of a Formal Wizard specializing in plant magic was an extremely dangerous matter.

If Sophia's Magical Creature Cultivation Room was already that hazardous, one could only imagine how much more perilous her more important plant chamber would be.

He couldn't be too careful.

(End of chapter)